Shielding device



Oct. 21, 1941.

L. .J. BAZZONI SHIELDING DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet l Filed April 24, 1940 Ava/5 0m; 2%"

Oct. 21; 1941. L. -J. BAZZONI 2,259,450

SHIELDING DEVICE Filed April 24, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Oct. 21, 1941 UNITED. STATES PATENT OFFICE sfllEL iN United Shoe Machinery Corporation, Borough of Flemington, N. J2, a. corporation of New Jersey Application A i-i124, 1940, Serial No. 331,393

24 Claims.

This invention relates to a device for protecting parts of shoes during the application of a spray coating to other parts thereof and is herein illustrated as embodied in a novel device comprising a plurality of shields formed and arranged to protect the upper of a shoe during the application of lacquer to the heel.

Heretofore the usual procedure has been to apply the finish coating to the heel of an assembled shoe with a brush. Due to the evaporation of solvent, lacquer thickens when exposed to the air and it is frequently necessary to thin the lacquer by the addition of more of the solvent. Often this is not done properly or with a sufficient degree of regularity and, as a result, there is considerable difference in the viscosity of the lacquer from time to time and, consequently, in its covering capacity. Due to lack of care in adding the solvent, the lacquer may be thinned too much, and in that condition it does not have sufiicient body when applied to cover the heel, whereas if the lacquer has been allowed to thick- .en, it is difficult to apply and forms such a heavy coat that it checks when it dries. In either case, it frequently retains brush marks. In order to eliminate this lack of uniformity and the occurrence of brush marks, various attempts have been made to spray coat the heel, but due to the fact that it has been difficult heretofore to confine the sprayed material to a definite area, a certain amount of the sprayed material falls on the upper, thereby soiling the same.

It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide shielding means capable of protecting the upper during the application of a spray coating to the heel which is adapted to be used for practically all shoes without any substantial adjustment for different sizes, and which is simple and quickly applicable to the shoes. By the use of the shield of my invention, the back part of the shoe is protected during the application of a spray coating to the heel by a member having a horseshoe-shaped flange adapted to fit into the heel-crease of the shoe and to embrace the same, the member extending from the shoe so as to form a baffle between the heel and the upper.

While the aforesaid shield protects the back part of the shoe from spray, it does not protect the forepart of the shoe. A feature. of'the device, therefore, comprises a member arranged to lie transversely of the shoe shank against the breast of the heel, and means associated with said member adapted to form, a laterally extending shield at each side of the member.

he member for protect the back part. or

the shoe from spray is provided with a pair of wings arranged to extend laterally from opposite sides of the heel, and during the spraying operation a large amount of the coating material fallson these wings. In order to reduce the waste of material, it is desirable to redirect the sprayed material before it strikes the aforesaid wings so that a greater proportion of it will fall on the heel. This is effected in the present invention by employing a tubular member for supporting the wings, the tubular member being connected to a sou-roe of compressed air and being provided with a series of openings adjacent to the edges of the heel whereby blasts of air may be discharged from the openings to deflect most of the sprayed material from the wings.

The construction and arrangement of the shielding device will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the device showing a shoe supported in shielded position;

Fig. 21s a fragmentary plan view;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary section on the line III-JII of Fig. l greatly enlarged to illustrate the entrance of the flange between the heel and 1 1 .6 7

Fig. 4 is ,a perspective view of the shield for the back part; of the shoe; and

Fig. 5 is a section on the line V-V of Fig. 1 showing t e path of the air blasts.

Referring to Fig. 1, there is shown a frame It! supported on a rotatable post l2, the frame carrying a member i4 for holding a shoe S in an inverted position and protecting the back part thereof during the application of a spray coating to the heel H of the shoe, and a second member l8 for protecting the forepart of the shoe.

The member i4 is composed of a piece of sheet metal which is cut so that when its ends are bent around toward each other, a substantially frusto-conical body is formed having an opening 20 between its ends (Fig. 4) through which the back part of the shoe S may be thrust (Fig. 1). In order to retain the member M in this frustoconical form, the bottom edge thereof is rigidly fixed to a substantially U-shaped plate I3 which in turn is fixed to the frame 10. The top edge of the member i4 is bent over to provide an inwardly directed horseshoe-shaped flange 22 having a'curved rear portion a and substantially straight or slightly curved side portions b= adapted to'embrace the shoe at the back part thereof, the edge 23 of the flange projecting into the crease between the heel and upper,

hereinafter called the heel-crease, and serving to support the shoe (Figs. 1 and 3).

The retention of the lower edge of the member M in the aforesaid frusto-conical shape causes the unsupported ends at the opening 20 of the member and the free ends of the horseshoeshaped flange 22 to converge inwardly (Fig. 4). As a result, the horseshoe-shaped flange 22 is somewhat distorted, that is, the side portions b of the flange converge somewhat instead of ex tending tangentially from the curved portion a 1 avoided in part by directing blasts of air outat the rear portion thereof. In order to make this more pronounced, the flange 22 is progressively widened toward the free ends thereof. The effect of this construction and the resilience of the sheet metal is to make the side portions of the horseshoe-shaped flange sospringy that when the back part of a shoe is thrust between the side portions of the flange they will fit the heel-crease regardless of the size of the heel. This provides, in effect, an automatic adjustment.

The shoe is mounted on the member H! by thrusting the shoe through the opening in an inverted position well below the horseshoeshaped flange 22 and then lifting it until the edge 23 of the flange 22 snaps into the heelcrease (Fig. 3), thereby holding the shoe in a position suitable for the application of a spray coating to the heel (Fig. 1). The frame H), together with the member l4, may be turned back and forth before a fixed spray gun, or the frame maybe held stationary and a spray gun moved about the heel. By reason of the fact that the edge 23 of the flange 22 extends into the heelcrease, any lacquer or other coating material which runs down the heel after it has been applied bythe spraying operation to the heel will be deposited on the member M, as will also sprayed material which falls wide of its point of intended application.

The member l4 affords protection for the back part of the shoe but does not protect the shank and forepart of the shoe. A member [8 is therefore provided for this purpose. It comprises a tube 24 flattened on one side so that it will lie flat against the breast of the heel (Figs. 1 and 5). The lower end of the tube is tapered to a blunt edge which is closed and shaped to rest against the shank of the shoe. A pair of wings 26 are mounted on the tube, the wings spreading laterally and rearwardly from opposite sides thereof so as substantially to enclose the shank of the shoe. The upper edges of the wings terminate above the top-lift of the heel and the lower edges 28 of the wings meet the member M on opposite sides at the points 30, as shown in Fig. 1, and extend along its surface for a substantial distance, thereby co-operating with the member M to pre- -that portion of the heel adjacent to its edges a large proportion of the sprayed material falls on that portion of the wings adjacent to the edges of the heel and is lost as waste. This can be wardly across the edges of the heel so as to deflect the spray and cause a large proportion of it to fall on the heel rather than on the wings (Fig. 5). This is effected by providing a plurality of small openings in the edges of the tube adjacent to the edges of the heel, the openings being vent the sprayed material'from falling on any part of the shoe except the heel.

The tube 24 is pivotally suspended at its upper end on a bolt 32 held at its ends between a pair of arms 34 having slots 36 therein to permit adjustment of the tube, and consequently the member 18, longitudinally of the arms 34 and angularly about the bolt 32. The arms 34 are in turn pivotally supported at 31 for angular adjustment between a pair of standards 38, the standards being fixed at their lower ends to the frame ID. The relative movement afforded by this construction permits the shield l8 to be positioned'at substantially any angle so that it will lie flat against the breast of the heel irrespective of the size of the heel. The member I8 is swung out of the way during the introduction or removal of connected with the passage 42 extending through the tube. The upper end of the tube is adapted to be connectedto a source of compressed air by aflexible tube 44. The air blasts ejected through the openings 40 must be at least equal to but are preferably somewhat stronger than the blast of material ejected from the spray gun in order to divert the sprayed material from the shield l8. Part of the diverted material is thrown back into the main blast from the spray gun by the air blasts and is again projected toward the heel.

In use, the shoe is thrust into the member [4, as previously described, the member [8 is swung downwardly against the breast of the heel and the frame is either rotated in front of a spray gun or a gun is moved about the heel. After the coatingv is applied, the shoe is removed by pulling it directly forward after having lifted the member l 8, the flange 22 being springy enough to permit the shoe to be withdrawn without having to spread the same manually. If the air blast is employed, the tube is connected to a convenient source of compressed air which may be turned on and off at the proper times. Note, however, that, as previously stated, the air blast, while helpful, is not an essential feature of the invention.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

l. A device for protecting the back part of a shoe during the application of a spray coating to its heel comprising a one-piece member a portion of which is provided with an opening defined by a horseshoe-shaped flange, said flange being adapted to fit into the heel-crease of the shoe and to embrace th same, and another portion of which extends laterally from said flange so as to form a baflle between the heel and upper.

2. A device for protecting the back part of a shoe during the application of a spray coating to the heel comprising a one-piece member a portion of which is provided with an opening defined by a horseshoe-shaped flange, said flange being adapted to fit into the heel-crease of the shoe and to embrace the same, and another portion of which extends laterally and downwardly from said flange, the downwardly extending portionof the member enclosing the back part of the shoe and providing a support for the shoe.

3. A device adapted to enclose the back part of a shoe and to support the same with its heel extending upwardly during the application of a spray coating to the heel, said device comprising a substantially frusto-conical member open at one side, the upperedge of the member being bent inwardly to-form a horseshoe-shaped flange adapted to fit into the heel-creas oi the shoe and to embrace the same. c;

4. A device adapted to enclose the back part of a shoe and to support the same with it's heel extending upwardly during the application of a spray coating to. the heel comprising a substantially frusto-conical skirt having an opening in: its wall, the'bottom edge of. the skirt forminga support for the sam and the top edge of the skirt being substantially horseshoe-shaped, said opening being large enough to permit the back. part of a. shoe to be thrust therethrough and said top: edge being constructed and ar-. ranged to fit into the heel-crease of the shoe and to embrace th same.

5., A device adapted to enclose the back part of a. shoe and. to support the same with its heel extendingnpwardly during the application of a spray coating to the heel comprisinga substantially irusto-conical skirt having an opening in its wall, the bottom edge of the skirt forming a support for the same and the top edge of the skirt being substantially horseshoe-shaped, said edge being bentinwardly to provide a' flange having a curved rear portion and converging side portions sprung inwardly forsnugly embracing the heeI-creaseoi. a shoe.

6.A device for protecting the forepart of a shoe during the application of a spray coating to the heel comprising a member adapted to rest transversely of the shank of the shoe against the breast of its heel, and means associated with said member adapted to form a laterally extending shield at each side of the member.

7. A device for protecting the forepart of a shoe during the application of a spray coating to the heel comprising a member adapted to rest transversely of the shank of the shoe against the breast of the heel, said member having wings spreading laterally and rearwardly from opposite sides thereof so as partially to enclose the shank of the. shoe, the upper portions of the wings terminating above the toplift of the heel and the lower portions terminating below the waist of the shoe.

8. A device for protecting the forepart of a shoe during the application of a spray coating to the heel comprising a member adapted to rest transversely of the shank of the shoe against the breast of the heel, and a support for said member constructed and arranged to permit, moving the member into and out of position against the breast of the heel.

9.-A device for protecting the-forepart of a shoe during the application of a spray coating to the heel comprising a member adapted to rest transversely of the shank of the shoe against the breast of the heel, and means for supporting the member for angular adjustment comprising a frame and arms pivoted to the frame, said member being pivotally mounted near the free. ends of the arms whereby the member may beadjusted to lie flat against the breast of the heel irrespective of the size of the heel.

10. A device for protecting the forepart of a shoe during the application of a spray coating to the heel comprising a member adapted to rest transversely of the shank of the shoe against the breast of the heel, and means for supporting the member for adjustment relative to the heel comprising a frame and means pivotally secured to said frame, said member being pivotally mounted on said means and being movable longitudinally thereof whereby the member may beadjusted: to lie flat against the breast of the heel irrespective of the. size thereof.

11. A device for protecting the forepart of a shoe during the application of a spray coating to the heel comprising a. member adapted to rest transversely of the shank of the shoe against the 'breast' of its heel, said member having a passage therein adapted to be connected to a source ofair under pressure, and openings connected to said passage, said openings being arranged along the opposite sides of the member whereby blasts of air may be ejected past the edges of the heel.

12. A device for protecting a shoe upper during the application of a spray coating to the heel comprising a one-piece member a portion of which, is provided with an opening defined by a horseshoe-shaped flange, said flange being adapted to fit into the heel-crease of the shoe to embrace the same, and another portion of which extends laterally from said flange so as to form a baiile between the heel and upper, and a member co-operating therewith constructed and arranged to protect the forepart of the shoe.

13. A device for protecting a shoe upper during the application of a spray coating to the heel comprising a member constructed and arranged to protect the back part of the shoe, and means co-operating therewith to protect the forepart of the. shoe, said means comprising a member adapted to rest transversely of the shank of the shoe against the breast of the heel, said second member having wings spreading laterally and rearwardly from the opposite sides thereof, the upper portions of the wings terminating above the top-lift of the heel and the lower portions terminating below the waist of the shoe.

14. A, device: for protecting a shoe upper during the application of a spray coating to. the heel comprising a member constructed and arranged to protect the back part of the shoe, and means co-operating therewith to protect the forepart of the shoe comprising a member arranged to lie against the breast of the heel with its edges substantially opposite the edges of the heel, said member having a plurality of openings along the edges thereof through which air blasts may be ejected past the edges of said heel.

15. Adevice for protecting a shoe upper during the application of a spray coating to the heel comprising aimember a portion of which is provided with an opening therein defined by a horseshoe-shaped flange, said flange being adapted to fit into the heel-crease of the shoe snugly to embrace the same, and another portionof which extends laterally from said flange to form abafile between the heel and the upper, and a second member adapted to rest transversely of the shank of the shoe against the breast of the heel, said member having wings spreading laterally and rearwardly from opposite sides thereof, the upper portions of the wings terminating above the lift of they heel and the lower portionsbeing constructed andarranged to engage the first-named member whereby said members co-operate to shield the entire shoe.

16. A device for protecting a shoe upper during the application of a spray coating to the heel comprising a member a portion of which is provided with an opening therein defined by a horseshoe-shaped flange, said flange being adapted to fit into the heel-crease of the shoe snugly to embrace the same, and another portion of which extends laterally from said flange to form a baflle between the heel and the upper, and a second member co-operating therewith adapted to rest transversely of the shank of the shoe against the breast of the heel with its edges substantially opposite the edges of the heel, said member having a plurality of openings along the edges thereof throughwhich air blasts may be ejected past the edges of said heel. 7

17. A device for protecting the forepart of a shoeduring the application of a spray coating to the heel comprising a member adapted to rest transversely of the shank of the shoe against the breast of its heel, a pair of wings fixed to opposite sides of said member, said wings spreading laterally and rearwardly from the member, said member'having a passage therein adapted to be connected to a source of compressed air and a series of openings connected to said passage, said openings being arranged along opposite sides of the member whereby blasts of air may be ejected past the edges of the heel.

18. A device for protecting a shoe upper during the application of a spray coating to the heel comprising a member constructed and arranged to protect the back part of the shoe, and means 7 co-operating therewith to protect the forepart of the shoe comprising a member adapted to rest transversely of the shank of the shoe against the breast of its heel and wings spreading laterally and rearwardly from opposite sides thereof, the lower portions of said wings extending downwardly along the surface of the first-named member, the second-named member having a plurality of openings along its edges substantially opposite the edges of the heel whereby blasts of air may be ejected past the edges of the heel. e

19. A device for protecting a shoe upper dur-' ing the application of a spray coating to the heel comprising a frame, means on said frame constructed and. arranged to support a shoe with its heel extending upwardly, said means enclosing the back part of the shoe, and means mounted on said frame to protect the forepart of the shoe, said means comprising a member adapted to rest transversely of the shank of the shoe against the breast of its heel and being movable into and out of co-operating position with respect to said first-named means.

20. A device for protecting a shoe upper during the application of a spray coating to the heel comprising a frame, means on said frame con-- structed and arranged to support a shoe with its heel extending upwardly, said means enclosing the back part of the shoe, a pair of posts fixed to said frame, a pair of arms pivotally mounted at the upper ends of the posts, and means mounted near the ends of said arms constructed and arranged to protect the forepart of the shoe, said means being movable angularly about a horizontal axis and longitudinally of the arms.

21. A device for protecting a shoe upper during the application of a spray coating to the heel comprising a frame, means on said frame constructed and arranged to support a shoe with its heel extending upwardly, said means enclosing the back part of the shoe, and means mounted on said frame 'to protect the .forepart of the shoe, said means comprising a member adapted to rest against the breast of the heel, wings fixed to the opposite sides of said member, said wings spreading laterally and rearwardly from opposite sides thereof, the lower portions of said wings extending downwardly along the surface of'the first-named member, and the upper portion terminating above the top-lift of the heel.

22. A device for protecting a shoe upper during the application of a spray coating to the heel comprising a frame, means on said frame constructed and arranged to support a' shoe with its heel extending upwardly, said means enclosing the back part of the shoe, and means mounted on said frame to protect the forepart of the shoe, said means comprising a member adapted to rest against the breast of the heel with its edges substantially opposite the edges of the heel, said member having a plurality of opening in its edges arranged to direct blasts of air past the edges of the heel.

23. A device for protecting a shoeupper during theapplication of a spray coating to the heel comprising a frame, means on said frame constructed and arranged to support a shoe with its heel extending upwardly, said means enclosing the back part of the shoe, and means mounted on said frame to protect the forepart of the shoe, said means comprising a member adapted to rest against the breast of the heel with its edges substantially opposite the edges of'the heel, a pair of wings fixed to the opposite edges of said member, said wings spreading laterally and rearwardly from the member and.cooperating with the first-named means to isolate the heel from the upper, said second-named member having a plurality of openings along its edges adjacent the wings whereby blasts of air may be ejected past the edges of the heel.

24. A device for protecting a shoe upper during the application of a spray coating to the heel comprising a frame, a member mounted on said frame a portion of which is, provided with an opening defined by a horseshoe-shaped flange, said flange being adapted to fit into the heelcrease of the shoe to embrace the same, another portion of said member extending laterally from said flange so as. to form a baffle between the heel and the upper, and a second member adapted to rest transversely of the shank against the breast of the heel, said second member having wings spreading laterally and rearwardly from the opposite sides thereof and a passage therein adapt-ed to be connected to a source of air pressure, and a series of openings connected to said passage, said openings being arranged along opposite sides of the member whereby blasts of air may be ejected past the edges of the heel.

LEWIS J. BAZZONI. 

